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What Causes Bone Loss Around Dental Implants?

Bone loss around a dental implant can be worrying, especially if your implant once felt secure and intact. The truth is, bone loss can happen for several reasons, from everyday oral hygiene habits to underlying health conditions. The good news? Most of the time, it’s treatable when caught early.

Our Point Pleasant dentist explains what actually causes bone loss around dental implants and the signs to look for below.  

Key Takeaways: 

  • Bone loss around dental implants can be caused due to anything from poor oral hygiene to underlying health conditions. 
  • Common signs include implant looseness and gum recession. 
  • Treatments like bone grafting can rebuild lost bone when needed. 

What Are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are artificial tooth roots that are placed into the jawbone to support replacement teeth. Once the implant is placed, it fuses with the bone through a process called osseointegration, which gives implants their strength and helps protect the jawbone from thinning over time. 

Implants look and function like natural teeth, and the success rate is extremely high. Plus, with the proper care, they can last at least 25 years. 


What Is Bone Loss?

Bone loss is the gradual breakdown or shrinking of bone tissue. In dentistry, this is especially important because the jawbone needs regular stimulation, usually from chewing, to stay strong. When a tooth is missing, the bone in that area no longer gets that stimulation, so it slowly begins to deteriorate. 

Over time, bone loss can change the way your face looks and cause your remaining teeth to shift. Around implants, bone loss is a concern because implants rely on strong, healthy bone for stability. If the bone begins to break down, the implant may loosen or fail.


What Causes Bone Loss Around Dental Implants? 

Bone loss around implants can happen for a variety of reasons, each of which affects the health of the bone that supports the implant.

  1. Peri-Implantitis

    2. This is an infection around the implant that’s similar to gum disease. It typically develops when plaque and bacteria build up. If it isn’t treated quickly, it can damage the bone supporting the implant and eventually cause it to loosen. Good oral hygiene and regular check-ups are the best ways to prevent it. 

  2. Inadequate Bone Support

    3. As mentioned above, implants need a strong foundation. If someone didn’t have enough bone at the time the implant was placed, or had been missing teeth a long time beforehand, the bone may continue to thin out. Bone grafting is often used to rebuild the area before or during the implant placement so the implant has the support it needs. 

  3. Surgical Errors

    4. The skill of the dentist also matters. If an implant is placed incorrectly or the surrounding tissues aren’t managed well during surgery, it can affect how the bone heals. Choosing an experienced implant dentist helps reduce these risks. 

  4. Excessive Forces

    5. Grinding, clenching, or an uneven bite can put too much pressure on an implant. Over time, this stress can damage the bone. If you grind your teeth or notice bite issues, your dentist can recommend adjustments or a nightguard. 

  5. Systemic Health Factors

    6. Conditions like osteoporosis or uncontrolled diabetes can impact bone density and slow down the healing process. These health issues don’t automatically rule out implants, but they do require careful planning and monitoring.  


What Are the Symptoms of Bone Loss Around Implants?

You may notice several warning signs if you’re experiencing dental implant bone loss, including, but not limited to: 

  • Loosening of the Implant: An implant should feel as solid as a natural tooth. If there’s any movement at all, it’s a red flag that the supporting bone may be weakening. 
  • Gum Recession: As the bone shrinks, the gumline can start to pull back. This may create gaps around the implant or make the area look longer than usual. 
  • Discomfort or Pain: Implants themselves don’t usually hurt, so persistent tenderness or swelling around the area could indicate a problem. 
  • Visible Bone Exposure: In severe cases, the bone itself may start to show through the gum tissue, which always requires immediate treatment. 
  • Difficulty Biting or Chewing: If the implant doesn’t feel stable while eating or you’re noticing changes in how your teeth fit together, it’s worth getting checked. 

Bone loss around an implant often starts subtly. Many people tend to notice a mild soreness when brushing or flossing, or a feeling that the implant “just feels different” compared to the rest of their teeth. Others describe it as pressure or a slight throbbing in the gums. Sometimes you may feel no pain at all. 

All in all, if something feels off, it’s always better to get it evaluated early. 


How Do You Fix Bone Loss Around Dental Implants?

If you’re already experiencing bone loss around your dental implant, there are several treatment options available to address the issue. The specific treatment will depend on the extent of the bone loss and the underlying cause.

Non Surgical

In the early stages, the goal is to prevent bone loss from getting worse. As you’d expect, improving your at-home oral hygiene can make a world of difference if bacteria or inflammation are part of the issue. Your dentist may also prescribe antibiotics or use antimicrobial therapies to control infection and protect the surrounding tissues. 

Surgical

If the bone loss is substantial or non-surgical treatments are ineffective, surgical intervention may be necessary. Some common surgical options include:

  • Bone Grafting: Adds new bone material to rebuild the area and support future bone growth. 
  • Guided Bone Regeneration: Uses a membrane to help bone grow in the right place while keeping soft tissue from interfering. 
  • Soft Tissue Grafting: Replaces lost gum tissue to protect the area and improve appearance. 
  • Sinus Lift: Used for upper-jaw implants when there isn’t enough bone between the implant and the sinus. 

Your dentist will likely start by taking X-rays or a 3D scan to understand exactly how much bone loss has occurred. From there, they’ll decide whether the implant can be saved or if the area needs to be rebuilt first. In many cases, early intervention can stabilize the implant and stop the bone loss from progressing. 


How to Prevent Dental Bone Loss

Fortunately, preventing bone loss is much easier than treating it, and a few consistent habits can go a long way. Firstly, keeping up with daily oral hygiene will help control bacteria and inflammation, while regular dental visits will allow your dentist to monitor the implant and the surrounding bone. 

If you grind your teeth, a bite adjustment or nightguard can also help protect your implant. And, finally, follow your dentist’s post-operative care instructions after receiving your implant. This typically includes avoiding hard foods and attending follow-up appointments. 


Have Questions? Contact Our Point Pleasant Cosmetic Dentist Today!

Whether you think you might be experiencing bone loss or you’re considering dental implants, don’t hesitate to reach out to Coastal Dental Group in Point Pleasant, NJ, today by contacting us online or calling us at 732-714-1030. We’d be happy to answer any questions you may have!

About the Author: Dr. Joseph Zicchino provides a wide array of cosmetic dentistry services, including Invisalign® Clear Aligners, at his practice in Point Pleasant, NJ. He earned his dental degree from NYU Dental School and established Coastal Dental Group in 2004. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call (732) 714-1030!